Rugby star Bracken out of ice show

Former rugby star Kyran Bracken has left TV show Dancing On Ice after losing the latest skate off.

The ex-England star, who won the series in 2007, impressed the judges after tackling two tough routines on the ice and delivering an emotional performance in the skate off.

Kyran and his partner Nina Ulanova danced to Snow Patrol's hit Chasing Cars, and after the intense routine the rugby player declared: "I had goose pimples then. It felt like the best we had done it. I just really felt it."

But it wasn't enough for him to stay in the show and the four judges voted to keep former EastEnders actor Sam Attwater instead.

In a twist in the latest episode, contestants had to dance two performances - one with their partner and one solo.

Kyran had scored 70.5 out of 80 after his two routines - but was marginally beaten by Sam who took home 74.5 on the night.

Topping the leadership board again with 79.5 was competition favourite Ray Quinn, 25, who had the judges hot under the collar with his steamy solo performance to Prince's Kiss.

Judge Jason Gardiner said: "Oh Ray, I wouldn't mind a little extra time and your kiss. I'm in awe of what you can do - it's an absolute pleasure to have you in the competition."

But it was more of a mixed night for the girls, who left blood, sweat and tears on the ice rink.

Professional gymnast and three-time world champion Beth Tweddle revealed she considered hanging up her ice skates after being struck down with a nasty virus during rehearsals.

The Olympic medallist was shown struggling with her routines on the ice as as she battled the illness.

She told the show: "There is not really any time to be ill unfortunately, and the virus has taken me down hard and I've just got to get on with it.

"This week has been really frustrating and in one way upsetting because I know I can do the routines but my body just won't let me do the amount of work that I need to do. Hopefully with a bit of rest and sleep I'll be out there tomorrow night."

Speaking after her performance to the Ellie Goulding hit Burn, Beth, 28, said: "I can't even put it into words, this week has been ridiculous. Today I literally thought I was going to have to say 'You know what, enough is enough'."

But she soldiered on and and skated her way into the semi-finals, scoring 65 points.

And Beth was not the only one in the wars as professional skater Daniel Whiston had his ear sliced by the razor sharp blade of his partner Hayley Tamaddon.

The pair quickly mopped up the blood and the Coronation Street actress received 70.5 points for her two routines.

The four remaining celebrities all glide through to next week's semi-finals.